Non-stop flights from Launceston to the Gold Coast taking off in December

Key points:

• Virgin Australia announces Launceston-Gold Coast route, launching on 7 December.
• Seasonal service to operate three times a week.
• Launceston Airport’s first direct link to the Gold Coast in decades.

Christmas is coming early for Tasmanians seeking a Gold Coast getaway, with Virgin Australia to begin non-stop flights between Launceston and the popular holiday destination from 7 December.

Flights will operate on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays, with tickets for the new service on sale from today.

It follows the airline’s successful launch of non-stop flights to Adelaide last month, and the announcement of non-stop flights to Perth from November.

The new service will provide a hassle-free connection for Tasmanians looking to enjoy all that Australia’s sixth largest city has to offer including its famous beaches and tourist attractions.

Launceston Airport CEO Shane O’Hare welcomed the additional flights and said airlines are committing to the region like never before.

“We are experiencing tremendous growth thanks to our state’s ability to remain Covid-free, which benefits locals and gives our tourism sector a chance to recover before most other parts of the country,” he said.

“Virgin’s Gold Coast service comes hot off the heels of its new Adelaide route, and Perth announcement, proving there’s strong market demand for inbound and outbound travel.

“The city’s hotels, restaurants, bars, wineries and distilleries are all filling up fast with interstate guests, and we can’t wait to welcome even more visitors with each new service launch.

“While Tasmanians will enjoy this new direct route to the sun, we expect thousands of south-east Queenslanders will want to try our amazing food and experience our beautiful natural environment, especially as the weather warms up.

“Many locals have holiday homes on the Gold Coast in addition to personal ties, which we expect will boost bookings over summer.”

Before the impact of Covid-19 Launceston Airport boasted flights to six destinations and during its 90^th year that number has grown to nine.

The new route will add an extra 528 seats into Launceston each week.